SCOTTSDALE, AZ, Jan. 19, 2012 /CNW/ - Kia Canada Inc. today launched the
all-new 2012 Rio sedan, which adds to the recently revealed Rio 5-Door
hatchback. First unveiled at the 2011 New York International Auto Show,
the all-new Rio sedan ushers in the next chapter of Kia Motors' ongoing
design-led transformation with previously unseen levels of eye-catching
design, advanced technologies and sophistication in the small car
segment. Starting at $13,795, the all-new Rio sedan features GDI
technology and increased power. The Rio returns remarkable fuel economy
of 4.9 litres per 100 kilometreson the highway, promising consumers impressive fuel efficiency without
sacrificing power or fun-to-drive performance.

"Much like its 5-Door sibling, the Rio sedan continues to offer an
unparalleled blend of world-class design, safety, quality and
technology, while maintaining impressive fuel efficiency and
practicality," said Robert Staffieri, Director of Marketing at Kia
Canada Inc. "The Rio sedan has an unparalleledyouthful persona that will resonate well with Canadians."

Available in five trims - LX, LX+, EX, EX+ and EX Luxury - the 2012 Rio
offers a 1.6-litre GDI four-cylinder engine with a standard six-speed
manual or available six-speed automatic transmission. The 2012 Rio
gives consumers the elusive combination of power and incredible fuel
efficiency by achieving a class-leading1 138 horsepower, while also maintaining fuel economy ratings of 6.6
L/100 km in the city2 and 4.9 L/100 km on the highway.

Conceived at Kia's design studios in Irvine, Calif., the all-new Rio
sub-compact exhibits highly sculpted sloping shoulder lines and
wedge-shaped exteriors. Its athletic profile conveys power and agility
while mimicking the aggressive lines found on other recently launched
Kia vehicles, such as the 2011 Optima and Sportage. The Rio sports its
own interpretation of Kia's signature grille, slimmed down to connect
to the dynamic headlamp design, providing a new twist on the Kia family
look.

In addition to offering a comfortable cabin, impressive technology
features also come standard throughout, including an AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio
system with SIRIUS® Satellite Radio capabilities and three months complimentary service.
Also included are auxiliary and USB audio input jacks for connecting
the audio system to MP3 players. Available on the EX+ trim is Kia's
all-new UVO infotainment system, which has been co-developed with
Microsoft® and based on Windows Embedded Automotive software. UVO is
an easy-to-use, hands-free solution that allows drivers and passengers
to answer and place phone calls, access music from a variety of media
sources and create custom music experiences.

The 2012 Rio sedan brings with it an all-new platform - longer, wider
and lower than the previous generation. Its aggressive and playful
stance is assisted through an overall length of 4,365-mm with a
platform measuring 1,720-mm wide and 1,455-mm high. Employing
high-tensile-strength steel, Rio's lightweight design offers high
torsional stiffness for improved handling, ride quality and
refinement. Though a more expensive alternative, using these materials
also increases crash safety capabilities while reducing overall weight.
To ensure good noise vibration and harshness (NVH) reduction, the 2012
Rio was outfitted with hood and dashboard insulators as well as
expandable foam in the A and C pillars.

Built on a unibody frame, the front-wheel-drive Rio utilizes front
MacPherson struts, coil springs and a stabilizer bar in the front, with
a torsion beam axle suspension in the rear to engage drivers with
responsive handling and provide the utmost comfort for a variety of
driving situations.

The 2012 Rio is equipped with a high level of standard safety features,
as is the rest of the Kia line-up. Rio's high-strength steel structure
includes an innovative Halo Body construction designed to help protect
occupants in certain side impact and roll-over collisions, while
additional standard safety features include six airbags (dual advanced
front and front-seat mounted side as well as side curtain), side-impact
door beams, height-adjustable front seatbelts with pre-tensioners,
three-point seatbelts for all seating positions and Lower Anchors and
Tethers for Children (LATCH). Also standard on all Rio trims for
increased driver and passenger safety are Electronic Stability Control
(ESC), four-wheel disc brake with Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS),
Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) and Vehicle Stability Management (VSM),
which coordinates the car's ESC, ABS and electric assist power steering
to help the driver stay in control of the vehicle.

Starting at $13,795, the LX trim includes body-colour door handles and
sideview mirrors and 15-inch steel wheels with 185/65R15 tires. To
accentuate the premium look, the power, heated sideview mirrors are
attached to the door rather than the plastic triangle like so many
others in the segment. Also standard are: power windows and door
locks, driver's seat height adjuster, map lights, illuminated vanity
mirrors, trip computer, sliding centre console armrest and 60/40 split
folding rear seats.

The EX trim starts at $16,695 and brings standard 16 inch alloy wheels
wrapped in 195/55R16 tires, a power sunroof, and electrically-foldable
sideview mirrors with LED turn signal indicators. In addition, the EX
trim offers consumers an even more upscale look and feel with
leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob as well as soft-touch
dashboard finish, and leatherette door trim. The EX+ trims continues
the added features with a UVO infotainment system, rearview camera and
automatic headlights for $17,195.

Like all Kia models in Canada, the 2012 Rio is covered by a
comprehensive warranty program, which offers unprecedented consumer
protection. Included in this program are a five-year or 100,000-km
limited powertrain warranty, a five-year or 100,000-km limited
comprehensive warranty, and a five-year unlimited-km anti-perforation
warranty. A five-year/100,000-km roadside assistance plan is also part
of the comprehensive coverage program.

For pictures, you can contact Katherine Lupul at klupul@kia.ca or 905-755-6308

Kia Canada Inc. (www.kia.ca - www.facebook.com/kiacanada) -- a maker of quality vehicles for the young-at-heart -- is a
subsidiary of Kia Motors Corporation (KMC) in Korea was founded in 1999
and sells and services high quality class leading vehicles like the
Soul, Forte and Sorento through a network of 174 dealers nationwide.
Kia Canada Inc. employs 150 people in its Mississauga, Ontario
headquarters and four regional offices across Canada. Kia Motors
Corporation continues to showcase the company's global commitment to
surpassing customer expectations through continuous automotive
innovation.

1 Class-leading 138 horsepower claim is based on a tie with Hyundai
Accent when compared to non-turbo 4-cylinder sub-compacts.